7 Fun and Adventurous Outdoor Activities in Miami

The city of Miami is one of the most beautiful destinations in the United States. With its art deco buildings, show-stopping nightclubs, sparkling turquoise waters, and epic white sand beaches, Miami offers a little piece of paradise in the heart of Florida.

Miami is known for warm and sunny weather, making it the perfect place to enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities. So, whether you’re a local looking for something new and exciting to do during the weekend, or you’re planning the vacation of a lifetime in Miami, you’ll have so much to choose from.

Here are our favorite activities to enjoy in Miami, apart from sunbathing on the beach.

1. Go Wildlife Watching by Boat

Miami is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, so why not make a day of wildlife watching? We recommend you rent a boat or book a guided tour to make the most of the wildlife watching opportunities off the shores of South Beach. From whales to dolphins, you can see amazing creatures not far from the shores of this iconic spot. Head out on an exploratory mission and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and stingrays as you enjoy an adventure on the water.

2. Book a Pontoon Party

There are so many options when it comes to pontoon rentals in Miami. For instance, did you know that you can rent a brand new 2018 24 feet Bentley Pontoon Boat, to explore Miami from the water? This boat seats up to 12 people, but it’s best for Miami adventures for groups of 4-8. The Bentley Pontoon Boat comes with a stereo system, drink holders, life jackets, a table, and all the equipment you need to keep everyone safe and having a good time.

Renting a boat or pontoon for a party offers a new and exciting experience, which is perfect for groups of friends, couples and families alike.

You could even choose to host your weekend BBQ on one of the many tiny islands you’ll find dotted around Miami Intracoastal, or you might like to visit Haulover Sandbar, an amazing destination for celebrations and boat parties. Check out these boat rentals in Miami to find out more.

3. Head Out Boating in North Bay Village

North Bay Village is an excellent destination for boating. This small group of islands includes North Bay Village, Harbor Island, and Treasure Island, which make up the “Three Island Paradise.”

The destination was once a favorite retreat for the rich and famous, however now it’s more of a quiet, residential area and a fantastic one to see as part of your day out in Miami. It’s reachable by boat, and there are two marinas where you can moor your vessel while you venture onto the islands to explore.

There are some amazing restaurants to enjoy in North Bay Village, which make it the perfect place to relax following a morning on the water. Once you’ve finished your meal, you can go for a walk on nearby Pelican Island, a beautiful oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of Miami’s busier areas. There’s even a bird sanctuary, which spans 10 acres, and a wonderful nature reserve just waiting to be discovered.

4. Work Out at the Miami Beach Outdoor Gym

One of the most popular activities in Miami is a great one for fitness buffs. South Beach is home to several outdoor gyms, however, Muscle Beach is by far the most famous of the bunch.

A trip to the outdoor gym is no doubt one of the more competitive things to do in Miami, as workouts here are not for the faint-hearted. The equipment here is interesting, and you’ll see it being put to good use by local fitness enthusiasts and visitors alike. Don’t forget to check out the brand new additions to the kit, including MyEquilibria’s “Leopard Tree” and “MyBeast.”

When it comes to South Beach activities that are guaranteed to have you feeling fit, healthy, and pumped, you can’t go wrong with the Miami Beach outdoor gyms. So, pack your fitness gear and make your way to Muscle Beach for a workout like no other.

5. Go Fishing in Miami

There are so many options when it comes to outdoor activities in South Florida, and one of the most popular pastimes has got to be fishing. Those wondering where to fish in Miami will find themselves picking from a ton of incredible locations, as Miami is well-known as an angler’s paradise.

Choose from Biscayne Bay’s beautiful shallow flats or head on out to the Everglades National Park. You could even board a boat and make your way out into the Atlantic Ocean, where you can fish in the deep, dark waters of the Gulf Stream on a deep-sea fishing charter.

Miami’s ecosystem is incredibly diverse, which makes it an exciting destination for fishing fanatics. The waters here are filled with sports fish and pelagic species, and there are plenty of great catches which will make for amazing photos and stories to regale all your friends with when you get back home. There are also plenty of fish that you can catch to eat, of course, and many of the most delicious fish in the world can be found in the waters of Miami.

The big decision you’ll need to make is whether to opt for deep sea fishing or flats fishing. Deep sea fishing is one of the big attractions of Miami, Florida, and is how you’ll catch the big fish by trolling lines in the deepest waters. However, if it’s fly fishing you’re interested in, you’ll be much better off opting for flats fishing in Miami’s shallower waters. Either way, you’ll enjoy a day experiencing one of the most fun activities in Miami.

6. Swim in the Venetian Pool

If the beach isn’t for you, but you’re in the mood for a swim, you’ve got to check out the Venetian Pool. This amazing public swimming pool dates back to 1924. It was designed by Phineas Paist and Denman Fink and spans the entire width of an old coral rock quarry.

This amazing place is the largest freshwater pool in the whole of the United States, and it displaces 820,000 US gallons (3,100 m3) of fresh water from artesian wells every single day. It’s an incredible sight and the perfect place to cool off from the hot Miami sun.

7. Check out street art in Wynwood

One of Miami’s trendiest neighborhoods is also home to some of its best street art. You can spend an entire day exploring this one neighborhood, from enjoying the art on the Wynwood Walls to shopping options to bars and restaurants.

It’s not your typical outdoor activity, but it’s definitely a good way to explore arts and culture while being outside. Seriously, don’t miss it. The entire neighborhood is covered in street art.

Try These Miami Outdoor Activities

Miami offers the ultimate in outdoor activities, including swimming in historic freshwater pools, deep sea and shallow water fishing, boating adventures on the ocean, wildlife watching and even an open-air workout on one of the world’s most famous beaches. You can even head out by boat on epic adventures and discover new islands like North Bay Village, which is home to some incredible restaurants.

There’s so much to see and do in Miami that locals and visitors alike have many options when it comes to enjoying the fresh air and getting outside. So, if you’re off to Miami soon, or you’re already there and looking for unique activities, we highly recommend you check out a few from this list. There’s a reason why they call it the Sunshine State, after all!